The Sea Environment Protection Law Of The People's Republic Of China goes into effect on April 1. The Ministry of Agriculture published a notice Thursday urging departments at all levels to earnestly abide by the new law, formulated to protect fishery resources and fishermen's legal rights, and to ensure the sound development of the fishing industry.

The law was adopted during the 10th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National People's Congress (NPC) on December 25, 1999. Chinese President Jiang Zemin signed a decree approving promulgation of the law.

Areas covered by the law include ecological protection in fishing waters, supervision of fishing boats and ports, management of nature reserves and the examination of pollutants dumped into the sea.